December 3, 2018

Any drink with added sugar, even fruit juices, can hurt your oral health. Sugar can turn into acids in your mouth which slowly wear down your teeth. Before you realize, the bacteria and acids in your teeth work together to break down your tooth’s protective layer. This is how cavities and tooth decay form. However, if you drink sports drinks and energy drinks with added sugar, can they be okay in moderation? Read below to find out more!

October 12, 2018

If you have a sore jaw, trouble opening and closing your mouth, or you hear a click when you open your mouth wide, you may have TMD. At home, you can treat the symptoms of TMD with over-the-counter medication and avoiding painful jaw movements. However, if your symptoms worsen, you may need to visit Dr. Hortman and her team at Palmetto Dental Associates. Here are a few items they may suggest for you to treat your TMD.

Night Guard or Splint

Often, many people grind their teeth and they do not realize they are doing it. A split, usually worn at all times, or a night guard, worn while sleeping, can prevent excessive grinding. This will help your TMD symptoms by placing a plastic barrier between your top and bottom teeth with a retainer.

Medication

Dr. Hortman may write a prescription for a medication such as higher dose painkiller, a muscle relaxer, or an anti-anxiety medication. Similar to over-the-counter pain medications, higher doses of NSAID painkillers reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation. Anti-anxiety medications along with muscle relaxers helps to calm the body and avoid grinding. This does not cure TMD but it can prevent it from worsening.

Other Dental Procedures

Sometimes TMD occurs when your bite is uneven. Replacing missing teeth can help relive your symptoms. Some ways that missing teeth can be repaired is with implants, crowns, or bridges. Talk to Dr. Hortman to see if this treatment option can help you.

TMD Surgery

If your jaw is locked or other treatment options do not work, you may be a need a surgery. Check with Dr. Hortman before making a decision. Types of surgeries include: arthrocentesis, arthroscopy, and open-joint surgery. An arthrocentesis is used to rinse the jaw muscle and remove the damaged disc stuck in the TMJ. An Arthroscopy removes scar tissue and fluid. For more complex TMD cases, open-joint surgery may be necessary.

If you are experiencing jaw pain, locked jaw, or facial pain, visit Dr. Hortman at Palmetto dental Associates for a consultation today.

When patients think about visiting the dentist, they typically think about the health of their teeth. Although, dentists examine much more. They examine your gums! Yes, at Palmetto Dental Associates we want you to have healthy teeth and healthy gums. Specifically, the Palmetto team looks for signs of mouth cancer, TMJ, and gum disease. The early stages of gum disease are reversible; however, when it develops into periodontitis, you may experience permanent bone loss. That is why it is important to have healthy gums. Below are a few ways that you can care for your oral health and improve your gums.

Tips for Healthy Gums:

1. Flossing

While eating, food and debris cluster in between your teeth and on your gums. If you brush but neglect to floss, bacteria will develop into plaque. You should floss once a day to remove unwanted bacteria. When flossing, remember to be gentle. Also remember to form a C-shape around the tooth you are flossing, and floss all your teeth- even behind the molars. If you follow these steps, you can have clean and healthy gums!

2. Brushing

Brushing and flossing 30 minutes or 1 hour after a meal can remove sticky plaque from the teeth and gums. Although, if the plaque is not removed it will develop into hard tartar. At this stage, you will need a professional cleaning at the dentist to remove it and prevent further damage.

3. Rinsing Your Gums

Lastly, to maintain healthy gums, rinse out your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash. This solution helps to freshen breath, remove plaque, and keep your gums clean. Look for a mouthwash that also contains fluoride. This will coat the tooth’s enamel and protect it from wearing down and developing cavities.

Of course, the order of your oral hygiene routine is not as important as remembering to complete each step. Forgetting to floss or rinse will reduce your mouth’s protection against disease and can cause bad breath. For more information call Palmetto Dental Associates and Dr. Hortman at (843)-399-2525.

There are a lot of reasons why your teeth may become stained. Sometimes, you may think the stains are from the most talked about reason: foods and drinks. But, there are a few other, less known causes, that may be acting on your teeth. Here are a few reasons along with stained teeth tips to keep your teeth white. (more…)

July 2, 2018

Whether it is a biannual check-up or a sudden dental concern, there are multiple reasons that patients visit Dr. Hortman at Palmetto Dental Associates. Here are a few of the top reasons. If you are experiencing similar symptoms, please call Palmetto Dental Associates at (843)-399-2525 to speak with a team member today!